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Old 10-28-2008, 11:22 AM   #1
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Towing with EB350 and SMB 4X4

I'm looking for my first SMB. I do a lot of horse-camping and need to pull a 5000# trailer. There's a SMB that is listed on SMB website that is Extended Body '05 diesel with SMB 4x4. I'm considering making an offer but wondering if anyone has any advice regarding the '05 diesel (I've been told the bugs have been worked out by '05), SMB 4x4 (love the idea of tighter turning) and towing with an EB (I've heard that towing is better with RB but i don't know if that's just theoretical). Any input appreciated

Bruce

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Old 10-28-2008, 11:37 AM   #2
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Bruce,

I have a Ford '06 EB diesel, and have towed around 6500lbs.

The RB and EB have the same wheelbase, but obviously the EB has a longer body. The RB has the advantage that the hitch is closer to the rear axle, providing less of a moment arm (if I recall my college statics terms correctly), and therfore it is less susceptible to trailer induced sway.

As for your specific '05, I'd recommend getting the VIN and going to TheDieselStop.com and requesting that someone run an OASIS report on the vehicle. The OASIS report is a Ford service database which lists all the Ford performed service, warranty issue, and recalls. Much more informative than a CARFAX. You may need someone at that site to decipher it for you since much of it is in Ford-ese. There are many Ford diesel techs on that site.


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Old 10-28-2008, 03:06 PM   #3
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You can also install Pullrite hitch:

http://www.pullrite.com/pullrite.htm

This hitch relocates the hitch pivot point to just behind the rear axle, virtually eliminates sway - similar to a 5th wheel trailer. But, you must relocate the spare tire.

Another choice is the Hensley hitch:

http://www.hensleymfg.com/

It is supposed to do the same thing by changing the geometry of the hookup.

Either one will work better than a standard hookup.

Mike
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Old 10-28-2008, 03:15 PM   #4
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I thought about the Hensley, but decided against it after a few succesful tows, and the fact that I think it was something like $2K. Has a really good reputation though.


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Old 10-28-2008, 04:27 PM   #5
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I haul horses and hay with my '03 (unfortunately). Not a problem.
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Old 10-28-2008, 04:31 PM   #6
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I have the airbags on the back of my '07 EB diesel, and it really helps to pump them up to about 100 lbs when towing heavy loads
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Old 10-28-2008, 05:19 PM   #7
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I should add that I had the Roadmaster suspension springs installed before I did any towing, so no before and after comparison there. The Roadmasters did help reduce sway though.

http://www.activesuspension.com/


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Old 10-28-2008, 09:14 PM   #8
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I have an EB and tow a 9000# trailer with the Hensley Arrow (luckely craigslist for cheap) with no sway at all. I do have a little rear end sag and probably going to add air bags before next summer. I just crank the torsion bar to the max. I have towed aprox 3000 mile with now problems

Steve
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Old 10-30-2008, 06:34 AM   #9
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Thanks guys!

I was convinced that I wanted an RB to "keep it small" and maneuverable. I went to see the SMB EB with SMB 4x4 and I was amazed by the tight turning. I could easily pull into a single parking spot without the multiple "forward-backs" that I do with my F250 with 57' turning radius. I'm now thinking that I don't want Quigley because of it's 55' turning radius. I want that tight turning more than anything.
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Old 10-30-2008, 06:38 AM   #10
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BTW anyone know what year SMB 4x4 was first offered as an option? Were there any other 4x4 options prior to that which gave a tighter turning radius than Quigley?
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